My Chaotic Kitchen

I made this for dinner last night.   This is a terrific way to use leftover chicken and rice.   My husband loved it and my girls ate it up.  My son (who loves bell peppers but hates tomatoes, even petite, diced ones) was less than thrilled.    He picked out most of the little tomato pieces.   However, the variations on this recipe are endless.  Next time, I think I will add olives.  Give it a try!

Michelle

Chop 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces

Prepare 2 cups of rice, any kind.  I used Jasmine last night.  I think this would be great with Basmati!

Chop 1/2 yellow onion

Chop 5 green onions

2 stalks celery; diced

Dice 1 large tomato OR use 1 can petite diced tomato, drained

Bell peppers; topped and emptied.  (like a Halloween pumpkin)  I used 5 green bell peppers.  One pepper per person.

Tofutti® Brand Sour Supreme

Mix the rice, chicken, onions, tomatoes and celery together.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Spoon mixture into emptied peppers.  Place stuffed peppers upright in glass baking dish.  Drizzle tops with olive oil.  Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.  Serve warm.   I served with a dollop of Tofutti® Brand Sour Supreme.   If you are able, you could top with sour cream or shredded cheese.

I am not cheap… I am just frugal.   Why pay full price if I know I can get it cheaper?   When you have a household to run and a family to feed, you tend to think very seriously before parting with that dollar in your wallet.  At least, I do.  Food can be a huge expense for a family and I do what I can to save money.  A couple months ago, I caught the end of a TV show called Extreme Couponing.  I watched a woman with five full shopping carts at a grocery checkout stand, hand over a pile of coupons, and walk out spending less than $4.00.   FOUR DOLLARS!  She had around $600 worth of groceries in those carts!  I was impressed, and inspired.

Personally, I don’t really have anywhere to keep $600 worth of groceries, and I don’t feel the need to keep a massive stock of sports drinks and Hamburger Helper.  (If you don’t know what I mean, you really must see the show.)   However, I do think there is a lot to learn from these couponing extremists.   Plan ahead.  Do a little research beforehand, and you can save money.

First, to be successful and truly save money with coupons, you need to educate yourself on the rules and restrictions of your grocery store(s).   Do they accept competitor’s coupons?   Do they double coupons?  Many stores normally do not, but they may have one day each month or week where they will double your coupons.   At my favoritie grocery store, every coupon is worth a dollar right now.  If the coupon’s face value is more than a dollar, then they will take it at face value.  It is well worth it to sign up for the store’s savings card, if they offer one.  That will automatically save you money.  Then, clip those coupons.  I get the Sunday paper each week and clip away while sipping my coffee and discussing the headlines with my husband.

So, now you need to check the weekly grocery ads.  They usually come out on Wednesdays.   Many supermarkets offer an online version of their ad and even certain manufacturer coupons.   I browse to see what items are on sale, and compare to my coupons.  How much will I save if I use my coupon at this store vs. that store?  For me, this is the fun part.  I love to determine my strategy and make my grocery list.  I do not want to drive all over town for the best deals, so I want to go to ONE store and save as much as I can while purchasing what we NEED.    This sometimes means spending a few cents more on a particular item, and offsetting that extra cost by the amount I save on other items.  For instance, the store I shop at most frequently does not sell soy milk at the lowest price.  However, they offer the best savings in most other areas of the market, and when I use coupons, I am ultimately saving more than I would at the other grocery stores.

I have to say, I’ve been couponing for a couple months now, and I feel great when I walk out of a store knowing I saved as much as possible on the items we use.  It pays to take the time and plan ahead.

-Michelle

One great thing about summertime is the variety of produce choices.  Of course, the kids love fruit!  We’ve been gobbling up fruits like crazy; peaches, plums, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, blueberries and strawberries.    I have been taking full advantage and regardless of what we are having, I prepare a plate of fruit for virtually every meal.  It goes right in the middle of the table and is almost always empty before the meal is done.  We had spaghetti and fresh bread the other night and not only did the kids clean their plates, they finished off the fruit platter as well.   I’ve also been taking frozen grapes with us to the pool for a sweet, cold snack.   The only downside to this fruity addiction is that I am heading to the grocery store every other day to buy more.  I recently found out that there is a farmer’s market every Friday morning in our city’s center.  From what I understand, it’s easy to walk away with tons of fruits and veggies without spending a fortune.  Why did I not know about this?  I am very anxious to check it out.  If I can get fresh produce AND save money, that would be amazing!  I will keep you posted.

-Michelle

Up until a month ago, I was working full-time as an office manager/ bookkeeper for a small company located just a mile and a half from home.  I loved the people I worked with and hoped the “little company that could”, would.  Well, it didn’t, and when it became evident that we wouldn’t be able to make payroll, I had to go.  I believe that everything happens for a reason and the timing couldn’t have been more appropriate.  The school year was coming to an end, and I realized that having some time to spend with the kids this summer might be a better deal than working all day and watching my paycheck go to daycare.

I have to say, the first month has been difficult.   It may sound crazy, but I liked working and having deadlines and meetings, and being in charge of the operational flow of an office environment.  I liked the accounting and solving logistical challenges with our clients.  It turns out, I was pretty good at it, too.  Now, I am home with my kids each day, and I have to say, this job is far more challenging than the one I was paid to do.  There is more repetition here at home, which can become boring, and for me, that is challenging.  For instance, the major tasks for me today were to clean the master bathroom and pick up my son from his summer science class on time.  The kids are the loose cannons that keep it interesting.  Lately, each day seems to offer up new ways for them to antagonize each other, bicker over toys and complain about being bored.  I feel it is generally much easier to go into any office of any given industry and spend your day solving problems and coordinating schedules, negotiating with difficult people and completing tasks before deadlines.  This is due to the fact that, at the end of the day, you will leave those difficult people and the ever-increasing to-do lists, turn off the computer in your office, turn off the lights, lock the door and go home.  With my children, there will never be a time when I turn it all off and go.

I keep thinking, when I worked, I was able to manage so much MORE, and with so much more tolerance and patience.  But then I realize, that is because it was only a JOB.  When it boils down to it, I wasn’t saving lives (if you’re a surgeon, or an E.R. nurse or doctor, this thought process may not work for you.)  I was only there to process the sale, and make sure everything and everyone fell into their proper places.  There is so much more at stake when it comes to raising kids!  It takes MORE energy and effort.   In fact, I can honestly say that in my career as a mother, I have literally saved lives.  Pulled toys out of a choking baby’s mouth, rushed to the E.R. when my son had asthma attacks, and a few times… with the help of Poison Control…  “Hello.  Yes, what should I do if my two-year-old stuck Alleve in her nostrils?   Yes, both nostrils……Uh huh.. One Alleve per nostril….  Yes, she’s breathing just fine, but when I tried to pull the Alleve out, I think I actually shoved them further in there….Well, her nose is running now and it’s blue… you know, Alleve Blue.”

I was a stay-at-home mom after my son was born and, aside from a few part-time weekend jobs here and there, I continued to stay home after the twins were born.  I started working full time about a year and a half ago, when the twins were 3 years old.  Being a mom is tough, whether you work outside the home or not.  Doing it well is even tougher.  Doing it well doesn’t mean your house is always clean, your kids always well-behaved and never settling for a fast food or frozen dinner.  Motherhood gets pretty messy, in every sense of the word.  I am grateful for the fact that I was able to stay home during the first several years after my children were born, and I am grateful I am here with them now.  After all, my daughters will begin Kindergarten in the Fall, and I will officially be the mother of school-aged children.  Life will change again.  I will find another job, the kids will make friends, learn new things, join a team, play an instrument.  They will start to grow up and require my presence less and less, as they should.  Perhaps I will also join a team, or play an instrument.   Each new chapter in life offers opportunities for change and personal improvement.  I know that the right job is out there for me; one that allows me to use my talents and grow as a person, but doesn’t keep me from being the type of mother I strive to be.   Hopefully one that offers health benefits, too!  For now, the plan is to spend some quality time with my kids, maybe paint the upstairs bathroom (Alleve blue?) and enjoy being in the ‘now’.   After all, right ’now’ is all that really matters.

-Michelle

Summer 2011

Here is a recipe that is so simple and so awesome, it’s ridiculous… are you ready?  Get a store-bought cake mix (I have to buy one without any dry milk or whey)  and mix with a container (16oz.) of sour cream.  We use Tofutti® Brand Sour Supreme.  The batter will be very thick.  Scoop into an 8×8 inch cake pan and bake at 350 for around 30 minutes or until done.  If that isn’t easy, I don’t know what is!  Give it a try.

-Michelle

For the past year, I have had some very bad cystic acne, particularly around my jaw line.  I am 32 years old, and I feel like I should be well-past this stage.  I have used lots of over-the-counter products and had varying results.  A few months ago, in desperation, I got a prescription for tetracycline.  Even though I usually don’t like to take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, I was so eager to use it and finally be rid of these cysts!  It worked for a while.   Then, I went off of the antibiotic and the acne came right back.  Just in time for a job interview, I might add!

Up until that point, I believed it was not possible to have clear skin without spending money on a skin cleansing program, or without using certain products specifically created for acne.  But I had finally reached a point where I figured there must be a more natural approach to clearing my complexion.  So, I did a little research.  Here is what I discovered; those cysts are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast in our intestines.   I also consulted my wonderful friend, Anna, an aesthetician.  She does my eyebrows, and does a fabulous job, by the way!  It turns out, I could have clearer skin by simply using some basic ingredients from my own kitchen.  Here is what she suggested:   Take 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar by mouth once per day.  Be sure to chase it with a glass of water.   No, it doesn’t taste good, but it works.  The apple cider vinegar neutralizes the acids in your stomach.  Also, it is highly beneficial to apply the vinegar to existing cysts and blemishes.  Just dip a cotton swab and apply to the trouble spots.  I do this when I feel one coming on.  It works great!

Upon further investigation I discovered that Candida feeds off of sugars in your system.  Cut back on your sugar intake, and all things made with white flour.  It is also recommended that you cut back on dairy products.

I have to tell you, I went to get my eyebrows done the other day, and Anna noticed my skin was clearer, but that it was quite dry.  She said the apple cider vinegar can be drying.  Her suggestion; use olive oil as a moisturizer.  Just a small amount goes a long way.  I put a little on a cotton ball and applied all around my face, with a focus on my under eye area and my lips.  Apparently honey is also great for dry lips.  Anna says I should exfoliate by mixing brown sugar and sea salt with olive oil, and apply as a scrub a couple times a week.  She also recommended a homemade moisturizing mask using plain yogurt mixed with papaya or avocado.

If you experience problem skin, I hope you’ll give these remedies a try before spending time and money on other acne products.  What have you got to lose?!  Everything you need is right in your kitchen!

-Michelle

The kids love Family Movie Night.   It’s sort of a big event around here.  They get their pillows, blankets and their beanbag chairs and gather around the television.  My husband pops in the DVD, gets the kids situated and I make the snacks.  Sometimes we have ice cream shakes, made with soy ice cream, of course.  But, naturally, our movie night staple is popcorn.  

My son can’t have the “buttered” version,  so we eat Orville Redenbacher’s Natural® Simply Salted microwavable popcorn.  The whole gang loves it.  They also make a lime and salt flavor, which my husband and I enjoy, but the kids aren’t too impressed with. 

The next time you curl up to watch your favorite flick, give these a try. 

-Michelle

Chewing gum seems such a harmless little thing, doesn’t it?  Well, for most people, it is.  

Nowadays, gum companies are creating more sugar-free and ADA-Approved chewing gums, in order to appeal to a more orally-conscious public.  We all want whiter, brighter teeth, and fewer cavities.  In order to obtain the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, some gum makers have added Recaldent® to their products.  Recaldent® is derived from casein, a protein in cow’s milk.  This ingredient is perfectly safe if you are lactose intolerant, as it does not contain lactose, but is not at all safe if you are allergic to dairy.   It is important to note, you are more likely to see dairy ingredients in oral care products which claim to whiten teeth.   This applies to some toothpastes and mouth rinses, as well. 

So, be sure to read the labels when shopping for chewing gum and oral hygeine products.   Just for fun, and if you’re feeling crafty, get the kids to help make chewing gum right in your own kitchen!  You may purchase a chewing gum kit at your local craft store or, simply try out a recipe from the internet.  Most recipes contain no dairy products and are a lot of fun to make. 

Have a great day, and remember to keep smiling! 

-Michelle

P.S.  It’s good to be back!

Each time I visit the grocery store, I buy a box of Fig Newtons® Minis.  Each box contains six snack packs, perfect for tossing into lunch boxes or for an on-the-go snack. 

Now, if you have a dairy allergy it is very important to note that the regular ‘cookie-sized’ version of Fig Newtons® do contain lactate.  The Raspberry Newtons® and Strawberry Newtons® contain whey.  The Minis are the only product in this line without any dairy.   I called Kraft Foods customer service to ask about the differing ingredients.  They explained that certain ingredients need to be added to the larger-sized product in order to bind the other ingredients together.  These ”binders” are sometimes not necessary in the smaller version of the product, simply because there is less product to “bind”.   So, there you have it. 

As I type this, I feel compelled to sing the “figgy pudding” verse of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. 

“Bring us some figgy Newtons, Oh bring us some figgy Newtons….” 

Alright.  I will just leave you with that.  Have a figtastic day!

-Michelle

So much for my New Year’s resolution to blog more frequently.  I started working this week… Full-time… 2nd shift.   Still, I am determined to become a Superblogger!   Please, bear with me.   Today’s post may be brief, but hopefully you will  find it helpful.  We’re talking about PUDDING! 

I pack my son’s lunch each day, and he loves to find a container of soy pudding tucked in with his sandwich and drink.  ZenSoy® soy pudding is delicious!  I’m telling you, if you like pudding (or even if you don’t) you really need to try this product.  We prefer the Chocolate Vanilla Swirl.  It also comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Banana flavors.  It is lactose free, gluten free, organic and does not use genetically modified soy beans.  ZenSoy®  also has an entire line of soy milks.  Check them out online: http://www.zensoy.com/products.html

-Michelle